Frank Darabont, the showrunner behind AMC's smash zombie drama, "The Walking Dead," stunned Hollywood when he announced he was leaving the show. So we came up with some replacements

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On Wednesday, Frank Darabont, of The Shawshank Redemption fame, announced he would be stepping down as the showrunner of AMC's "The Walking Dead"—an interesting development, considering how jazzed he seemed while talking about the show a few days ago at Comic-Con. Darabont's second-in-command, Glen Mazzara, will take over the zombie epic. But that seems to be a safe, solid choice—and we're talking zombies here, so why be safe? Here's our list of where AMC should look, with necessary caveats. (Basically, don't hire Joss Whedon.)

New Showrunner: Damon Lindelof and Carlton CusePrevious Credits: "Lost"What Will Happen: After a stunning series finale five years from now wherein a bevy of plots dovetail beautifully, Lindelof and Cuse claim they knew how the show would end as soon as they took over. Robert Kirkman, author of the graphic novel series, sulks in a corner. Lindelof gives himself a cameo as a zombie eating a well-done steak, continuing his desperate quest to prove he has a sense of humor.

New Showrunner: Steven SpielbergPrevious Credits: "Falling Skies," if we're talking TVWhat Will Happen: Rick's son finds a zombie in the woods and befriends it. The zombie—a veritable symbol of childhood innocence— tags along with the group until Shane bashes it over the head with a walkie-talkie.

New Showrunner: Michael PoryesPrevious Credits: "Hannah Montana," "That's So Raven"What Will Happen: Poryes immediately quits the show citing creative differences when he learns that his idea to have Rick and Glenn dress up as wacky, entrail-covered zombies has already been done. Hilarity, unfortunately, does not ensue.

New Showrunner: Joss WhedonPrevious Credits: "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Firefly," "Dollhouse"What Will Happen: Whedon revitalizes "The Walking Dead," giving stunning depth to broadly-drawn, stereotypical characters. The zombie attacks are brutal, the quieter moments are devastating, and everything is presented with confidence and panache. All the critics who were disillusioned with the end of season one sing the show's praises. AMC cancels it after two episodes.

New Showrunner: Veena SudPrevious Credits: "The Killing"What Will Happen: After obliviously driving "The Killing" into the rain-soaked ground, Sud's first move is to rid "The Walking Dead" of its "gaudy zombie component," justifying the change by claiming the story is "about the characters." When the show gets picked up for a five-season order, Sud buys a mansion and fills her morning bath with Kirkman's tears.